Stuck on ideas for your family’s Florida vacation? Trying to find a thing that can be both fun and academic for the children? North America’s oldest ecosystem, the Florida Everglades, is home to a unique attraction, the airboat ride. Airboat rides are a thrilling way to explore the famous ‘River of Grass’.

Airboats are large, flat bottom boats designed to use a plane propeller for propulsion. Because of their shape, they’re perfect for gliding on the sawgrass and vegetation contained in the Everglades. Effective at reaching speeds of 70mph, they’re an adrenaline junkies’ dream. Most companies also provide slower paced ecotours suited for classrooms or large families. Airboat captains must take care of the same rigorous certifications from the U.S.C.G. as ship captains, so you can be assured that your vacation is a safe one.

So what can I expect?

With over 10,000 islands and 500 species unique for the area, the Florida Everglades supplies a plethora to explore. You are able to elect to spend the day waking up close and private with the American Alligator and Great Herons that inhabit the swamp, and have your captain require over a guided historical tour of the area. Airboat companies offer packages including 30 minutes to over 4 hours, and from private group to corporate group sizes. Incidents where stop off for lunch between the mangroves or on a private island on your trip.

With respect to the weather, you might desire to bring along a jacket or sunscreen. Earplugs will also be recommended and so are typically provided by your captain. Generally, airboat ride companies offer refreshments and snacks. Cameras are allowed, and you may even ask the help guide to slow down or stop to help you snap that perfect photo!

How can Ichoose an airboat tour guide?

Airboating can be a century old industry, and thus you might find the quantity of choices overwhelming. One of the first things to figure out is where you want to depart from. Having an area as large as the Florida Everglades, you’ll find an airboat launching from just about anyplace. Many companies even operate out of heavy suburban areas such as Miami and Orlando.

After that you want to decide which package fits your needs. Are you searching for a heart pounding airboat ride or perhaps a more relaxed airboat tour? Do you wish to bring the whole family or simply that special someone? Airboat ride companies allow you to customize the length of your trip and also the amount of people that are going. Would you be content with a big group of people on your boat, or are you looking for some thing personal? Whatever form of trip you’re after, you are almost sure to determine what you want.